By SPA,
Manila, Philippines : Officials say the first group of 29 Malaysian peacekeepers has left the Philippines as peace talks with Muslim rebels remain stalled, the Associated Press reported.
Speaking Saturday at an airport in the southern Philippines, Malaysian Maj. Gen. Datuk Mat Yasin Bin Mat Daud _ leader of an international peace monitoring team _ says he hopes a peace agreement will soon be signed.
The 12 remaining Malaysian monitors will leave Aug. 31.
Malaysia is brokering the talks to end more than 30 years of Muslim separatist insurgency.
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